City Council implements water shortage rates, changes ward boundaries
The Bartlesville City Council voted Monday to implement emergency water rates as the area's water supply continues to fall.
The move was among a list of actions the council took during the monthly meeting.
The council room was packed as many residents voiced concerns over an agreement to keep drag queen performances out of public parks. The issue was raised last September after Oklahomans for Equality Bartlesville hosted a drag show in Unity Square during the organization's Pride event.
Councilors voted 3-2 to approve a year-long agreement to permit drag shows as long as they are indoors or on private property. City Attorney Jess Kane called the deal a compromise, adding that, "the hallmark of any good compromise is neither side is pleased."
Water rate hikes as supply dwindles
Bartlesville residents may notice a slight increase in water rates in the next few weeks after councilors voted to raise them in response to ongoing drought conditions in the Hulah Lake watershed area.
The council voted to enact Stage 2 emergency rates, beginning Monday, April 10. Stage 2 rates can be implemented when the city's overall water supply levels drop below 69%. Overall levels were at 60.6% Tuesday.
The emergency water rates will only kick in on accounts that use more than 10,001 gallons of water.
Usage (gallons) | Adjustment on volumetric rates |
0—2,000 | 100% of current rates |
2,001—10,000 | 100% of current rates |
10,001—25,000 | 105% of current rates |
25,001—50,000 | 110% of current rates |
Over 50,000 | 115% of current rates |
In addition, outdoor water usage is restricted to two days per week during Stage 2. Even-numbered properties can water outdoors on Mondays and Thursdays and odd-numbered properties can water outdoors on Tuesdays and Fridays.
If the overall water supply levels drop below 60%, the council could move to Stage 3 rates, which would mean higher rates on lower usage accounts.
Usage (gallons) | Adjustment on volumetric rates |
0—2,000 | 100% of current rates |
2,001—10,000 | 105% of current rates |
10,001—25,000 | 110% of current rates |
25,001—50,000 | 115% of current rates |
Over 50,000 | 120% of current rates |
In Stage 3, outdoor watering can only occur once a week. Water pressure also would be reduced to the minimum allowed.
If the water supply drops below 50%, Stage 4 could be enacted, boosting water rates to the highest levels and restricting all outdoor water usage. In addition, public pools would be closed.
Water supply continues to dry up; residents urged to conserve
Ward boundary changes
City councilors also unanimously voted to update city ward boundaries to correct population imbalances discussed at last month's meeting.
Under the old boundaries, Ward 2 had the highest population, with 8,335 residents. That was nearly 1,200 more residents than Ward 4, the smallest at 7,180 residents, according to city staff.
There is roughly only a 600-inhabitant population difference between the smallest and largest wards. The new boundaries consider the future growth of certain wards. New boundaries take effect immediately.
Bartlesville on notice: Ward redistricting begins
Jimmy's Egg incentives
In January 2020, the council approved an appropriation from the city's Economic Development Fund to allow a combination Bricktown Brewery/Jimmy's Egg restaurant to open in the newly redeveloped Shoppes at Turkey Creek.
In April 2021, the council modified the original incentive package, splitting it into separate incentives. The split allowed Bricktown Brewery to move forward and open in 2022.
During this time, a tenant moved into the space that Jimmy's Egg originally intended to occupy. Jimmy's Egg was left searching for alternative locations in Bartlesville. Eventually, the restaurant found a building that could meet their needs - the former McAlister's Deli building.
More: City provides updates on new restaurants, retail coming to Bartlesville
However, the fire code requires that Jimmy's Egg install a new sprinkler system, which would cost roughly $100,000. Jimmy's Egg approached the Bartlesville Development Authority with the proposed location, noting that the fire sprinkler upgrade would be cost-prohibitive.
The BDA proposed the city allow the original incentive of $40,897, which will lower upgrade costs. The council unanimously approved reassigning the incentive to the new location.
Jimmy's Egg plans to invest roughly $850,000 in the new project, including the new fire suppression system. The $40,897 incentive is based on the estimated yearly sales of $1,202,853, according to the BDA.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: City Council implements water shortage rates, changes ward boundaries
